More Than Just Real Estate: David Antonelli Brings Contractor Expertise and Community Spirit to Rhode Island

​Rhode Island - When it comes to buying a home, the process can be overwhelming. But for David Antonelli, a realtor with the Slocum Home team powered by eXp Realty, guiding clients through the biggest investment of their lives is second nature. Sitting down at the Cowesett Inn in West Warwick, David shared how his unique background and deep community ties make him far more than a standard real estate agent.
With a decade of real estate experience, Antonelli brings a distinct advantage to his clients: he is a former contractor. Having bought and flipped houses with his wife for years, he knows exactly what to look for when he steps into a property.
"I can look at a house... to see whether or not it really has good bones, or if it's been done the right way," David explains. While buyers are busy measuring rooms to see if their furniture will fit, David is looking at foundation base plates for rot and scanning for unpermitted DIY projects. He aims to ensure that when his clients are ready to sell in five or ten years, their home will have appreciated safely.
This meticulous approach is no accident. Before entering real estate, David served as an Army officer and later worked as an auditor. Those roles ingrained a level of precision that benefits his clients immensely, particularly when navigating complex contracts. "I've been told I will never have to worry about paperwork with you," David recalls a colleague saying.
The Slocum Home Team, a family business for 76 years before its recent acquisition by EXP Realty, aligns perfectly with David's philosophy. He measures success not by sales volume, but by the number of families he has helped. This client-first mentality means he adapts to whoever he is representing. He meticulously walks first-time buyers through the overwhelming process, conducts virtual WhatsApp tours for out-of-state investors, and goes the extra mile for elderly clients. Recently, he helped an 80-year-old widow coordinate estate sales and clean-outs for her late husband's extensive collection of marine parts and tools before listing her home.
To ensure his clients are fully protected, David works closely with a trusted network of professionals, including loan officer Dan Kenyon and real estate attorney Lisa Cooper. Cooper, for instance, frequently uncovers unpermitted additions—like DIY mini-split air conditioners or improperly placed sheds—allowing David to resolve these issues before closing.
Beyond real estate, David is deeply involved in the Rhode Island community through his passion for diecast cars. He is a key organizer of the annual Diecast Jam, now entering its 11th year. The event will take place on July 25th and 26th at the McCall YMCA in Lincoln, featuring over 75 tables and 60 vendors selling everything from 1/87 scale Micro Machines to highly detailed 1/6 scale models.
The event isn't just about collecting; it's about giving back. Through door prizes, early bird admissions, and a Facebook Live auction featuring rare manufacturer donations, the Diecast Jam raises funds for local charities, including A Wish Come True and Operation Stand Down.
Additionally, David helps run the Lincoln Johnny Lightning Race Club, hosting downhill gravity diecast races for kids and enthusiasts on the second Sunday of every month at Lonsdale Elementary.
Whether he's looking at a foundation, negotiating a contract, or raising money for local charities at a diecast race, David Antonelli is deeply invested in the Rhode Island community. For him, real estate isn't just about selling a house—it's about selling a secure future.
For more information you can go to Dave’s website, myriagent.com, and the Diecast Jam website at ljlrc.com.